Lorenzo: The race will be extremely difficult

Michelin has withdrawn both the medium and hard compounds and replaced it with a different medium tyre for MotoGP’s Argentina GP on Sunday meaning that riders are yet to complete a lap on the new tyre.

The decision follows a FP4 failure for Scott Redding on Saturday after his rear tyre failed at high-speed during the final MotoGP practice and the Pramac Ducati rider was struck by the debris, but kept control and brought the bike to a halt in the gravel trap.

In an interview, reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo said that they all faced a strange situation going into Sundays race without testing the tyres to be used.

“It’s a very strange situation that I’ve never encountered before. Unfortunately, we had some issues in the recent past and it’s definitely not a comfortable situation for the riders and the teams, but things are like that,” said Lorenzo.

“I have great respect for Michelin and for the efforts they have put in these last few months to improve the 2016 tyres. Even considering this last inconvenience, I’m sure they will keep on working because safety is the first priority in racing.

“Tomorrow the race will be extremely difficult. We’ll have to start from zero but at least, this is the same for all riders. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow morning.”